Smart pH responsive system based on hybrid mesoporous silica nanoparticles for delivery of fungicide to control Fusarium crown and root rot in tomato

Abstract Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) can promote the solubility and absorption of pesticides by plants are widely used as a delivery system to improve efficacy pesticide applications. In this study, MSNs with 20 nm particle size were produced. Additionally, water-soluble chitosan (CS) derivative, here called N-(2-Hydroxyl) propyl-3- tri-methyl-ammonium CS chloride (HTCC) was produced cap outer surface preloaded fludioxonil (Flu). The HTCC coating layers resulted in loading efficiency 84% on comparison 20% uncoated particles. A comparative vitro analysis indicated that Flu@MSNs 20nm -HTCC loaded 0.05 mg/L dose fungicide had significant higher fungicidal activity than same at 1 against F. oxysporum f. sp. radicis-lycopersici (FORL). Moreover, after an initial burst, kept releasing Flu for 21 d, compared 7 d associated direct release Flu. Greenhouse data showed 0.1 applied through is sufficient reduce Fusarium crown root rot disease severity value less 6% tomato plants, without any noticeable phytotoxicity 70 d. comparison, 1.56 mL/L required reach 27% level. Thus, we suggest HTCC-decorated has great potential nanodelivery systems agrochemical We also work contributes notion agro-nanotechnology powerful, environmentally-safe cost-effective approach sustainable long term protection from disease.